Journey to Bolivia

Elizabeth, New York, NY — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:20 GMT

What an amazing human being Leon McLaughlin is. I wish we had more people like him in this world.

Journey to Bolivia

Jake, Cleveland, OH — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:12:32 GMT

Inspiring. That a man with a desire to help can make such a difference in people's lives. His work reminds us that "yes, we can" make a difference if we care, regardless of how much we make or our position in life.

Journey to Bolivia

Gemma Joseph Lumpkin — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:17:47 GMT

Our Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, --the largest black church in New Haven CT --saw this report tonight on NBC Nightly News and wanted our church to get involved. We would like to partner with McLaughlin in some way. Could you please tell us how to contact him?

Journey to Bolivia

Dan Norton, Cary North Carolina — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:18:10 GMT

McLaughlin is a hero. Just saw the story on the Nightly News. Its an inspiring example to see how one man can make a difference even if he is not wealthy. Makes think to myself "what have I done today that has helped someone in need?"

Journey to Bolivia

The Reverend W. Stephen Goyer — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:19:27 GMT

I suspect Leon McLaughlin's charitable heart grows from his faith, hence his relationship with World Vision. It would have been useful if that was mentioned in the report. If you are reporting tell the facts, even if you do not agree with them.

Journey to Bolivia

Kalei, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:24:44 GMT

What a great guy! How is it that everyday someone who makes such a difference in the world is overlooked by the people that pass him by. Makes you think about the cleaners, dishwashers, garbage men/women, and see that they too can make a difference that is more than anyone would expect. Because of his actions it will inspire many to give, including me. Leon McLaughlin is my Hero.

Journey to Bolivia

Linda Rajca, Glendale Heights, Illinois — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:27:30 GMT

This was a truly inspirational story. People dream of making a difference in the world and he has figured out how to give clean water- a basic need we take for granted- to people who desperately need it, without changing their culture.Can Leon McLaughlin share how much each water filtration system costs? How can donations be made to his foundation?

Journey to Bolivia

Sharon Daur — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:28:49 GMT

I am an AP Environmental science teacher in New Jersey. I was so touched by your story on Brian McLaughlin and his desire to provide clean water, a basic necessity to the people in Bolivia and will use it as an example to my students to show how one life can make such a difference. As for Brian.. Stay Wonderful!

Journey to Bolivia

Stephanie Myers — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:32:25 GMT

Thank you Brian--what a fantastic story. We should all find a way to help Leon McLaughlin. What can we do to help?

Stephanie M.

Journey to Bolivia

Maureen Harvey, Choctaw, Oklahoma — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:36:53 GMT

This man is my hero. I want to know, as I'm sure many others will want to know, how we can contribute to Leon McLaughlin's crusade. Thanks, Maureen Harvey

Journey to Bolivia

Barbara Sullivan Winter Park,Fla. — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:45:00 GMT

I would like to donate to Mr.Mclaughlin's water project in Bolivia.Could you please send the necessary information .
Thank you

Journey to Bolivia

James E.Graves,McLean,Va. — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:12:41 GMT

Please give me Bryan McLaughlin's contact info.so I can help.

Journey to Bolivia

Judy Shimp, Dallas, TX — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:17:56 GMT

That was, indeed, a great story. I have not be successful in locating information about the water project. How can I contact Mc. McLaughlin?

Journey to Bolivia

Anthony Galloway, NBC News, New York — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:20:51 GMT

Thanks for your comments. You can get more information on Leon McLaughlin's Clean Water Foundation by going to: http://www.firstgiving.com/bolivia

Journey to Bolivia

Paul King — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:21:50 GMT

Please tell me how Mr. Mclaughlin developed an
interest in Bolivia. How did he learn about the
town La Niña, Bolivia?

sincerely, Paul King

Journey to Bolivia

Dolly, Mechanicsville, VA — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:27:33 GMT

What an awesome story! It really touched me, I have contributed to World Vision in the past, they also have programs where you can donate money to provide goats and other animals directly to families. Here's a link to their website http://www.worldvision.org/#my_story/0 and it has his story listed there too. Very cool and inspirational. Great Friday nite story~

Journey to Bolivia

David Hannon, Sequim, Washington — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:47:44 GMT

I used to work with Leon in the 1970s-80's when we both worked at the Paramount Theater in Seattle. He was a wonderful, generous, friendly person then and it is a joy to see he hasn't changed in these many years. I had not seen him since those days at the Paramount. What a pleasure it was to see his face pop up on the TV tonight. Good job Leon! Keep up the good work.

Journey to Bolivia

John Lawrence, San Diego, CA — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 03:22:23 GMT

It seems Leon McLaughlin is picking up where the World Bank left off. Bolivia's famed "water war" of 2001 was a direct result of a World Bank initiative involving a Bechtel subsidiary. When the price of water tripled after privatization was introduced, thousands took to the streets until the government backed down and told the company to leave.

This man should be a hero to all of us. One man has accomplished what vaunted institutions like the World Bank were unable to. He's my hero too and he deserves the Congressional Medal. I blogged on him here: http://willblogforfood.typepad.com/will_blog_for_food/2009/01/seattle-shoeshine-man-brings-clean-water-to-poor-bolivian-peasants.html

Journey to Bolivia

Justin Angelos — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:04:30 GMT

What an amazing person.Way to go Leon!

Journey to Bolivia

Bob Schnieders — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:26:33 GMT

It is always amaising that one person. doing a simple task, looks far beyond his current position in life and through simple efforts raises poor people to a level of "of my gawd" . Let God raise us to help Leon efforts or find a new way to DO something to help.

God has certainly blessed Leon nd sentHis urgings to us all - get after it =NOW.
Bob Schnieders, Helendale, Ca

Journey to Bolivia

Mary, Rexburg, Idaho — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 05:30:53 GMT

My husband and I lived in Bolivia for a couple of years and really are grateful for a man like McLaughlin. There is so much needed there. Kudos for this broadcast!

Journey to Bolivia

Seth Jones, cinebar, washington — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 05:38:59 GMT

I'd like to donate as well. please make the information available. thankyou.

Journey to Bolivia

illumin8 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:51:37 GMT

I think Leon is wealthy....and an inspiration.

Journey to Bolivia

curley L Lawson — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:54:29 GMT

I would like very much to donate and contribute to Leon,s water projects, it seems as thou we have twin minds, GOD bless you.

Journey to Bolivia

curley L Lawson — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:50 GMT

I like what mr. mclaughlin is doine and would like to join his team. ?

Journey to Bolivia

Roger Younker, Minneapolis, Minnesota — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:43:06 GMT

It's time for me to get off my backside and pitch in. Let me know what I can do to help. Leon, you are marvelous.

Journey to Bolivia

lynne perry — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:29:20 GMT

I was listening but not really "tuned in", until I heard the mention of "World Vision". I have just recently started monthly support for a child and her family through them. I researched several of the child oriented charities, and the reason I chose World Vision is their firm commitment to the whole community as well as just the child. World Vision may be reached by phone at 1-800-777-5777, or the web, www.worldvision.org. And Brian, you're wonderful!

Journey to Bolivia

Anthony Galloway, New York, NY — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:27:06 GMT

For more on Leon McLaughlin's effort: http://www.firstgiving.com/bolivia

Journey to Bolivia

Connie and Bill Bradshaw, Richmond, Virginia — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:26:17 GMT

We too would like to donate to Mr. McLaughlin's projects. Can you please send us the necessary information?

Journey to Bolivia

Roger Voeller, Phoenix, AZ 85028 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:48:22 GMT

I would like to donate and assist in Mr.Mclaughlin's water project in Bolivia.Could you please send the necessary information .
Thank you

Journey to Bolivia

Susan Stecker, Seattle, Wa. — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:15:00 GMT

I live in Seattle and would like to support Mr. Mclaughlin in his Bolivia project. Can you please tell me which hi rise he shines shoes in. I need a shoe shine and would love to meet such a generous man.

Journey to Bolivia

Nils — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:48:40 GMT

How do we donate to his foundation? I this question it over and over in the comments but nothing in the story or on the page.

Journey to Bolivia

Cheryl Henson, Livonia, Michigan — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:20:21 GMT

This is a wonderful story. It is an example of someone whose definition of being human goes way beyond a need for material things. I was wondering when I saw this story, how can organizations get involved in finding and sponsoring other areas like this one in Bolivia that need water purification systems?

Journey to Bolivia

Jerry Prismantas, Seattle, WA — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:09:30 GMT

Would like to help out Leon McLaughlin's cause. Can you provide info?

Journey to Bolivia

Winston Ryan, Miramar, Florida. — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:45:03 GMT

I saw and read this amazing story many times and each time with tears, how one man with so little can dedicate to giving so much. He is an example of the kind of hope this country needs @ this time. Please, how can I donate to his noble cause.You are a great world citizen.

Journey to Bolivia

Douglas Kingsbury, Kansas City, MO — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:02:06 GMT

I would like to learn more about Mr. Mclaughlin's work and make a donation. Can you provide any more information about the project?

Thank you

Journey to Bolivia

Don Lee — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:48:24 GMT

What a great story! I hope NBC does a follow-up on this with more information about how other people can help out.
Thank you

Journey to Bolivia

ralph blessing, washington dc — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:02:14 GMT

the word "hero" is routinely tossed around in the media, but I can't think of many people who fit the description as well as Leon McLaughlin. He is an inspiration to us all.

Journey to Bolivia

ed everett, oak harbor wa — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:59:44 GMT

how can i contact Leon to donate
ed, whidby, wa

Journey to Bolivia

Sven Goldmanis, Bellevue, Washington — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:34:31 GMT

One who knows Leon will understand his big heart and the ability he has to think of others.. There are very few like this man.... We are very fortunate to hear of his story and his deeds.. If only others could follow his lead...

Journey to Bolivia

Mark Hogg, Louisville, KY — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:57:44 GMT

Hello Anthony,
Enjoyed your inspiring article and we cheer the work of water.
Is there was anything EDGE OUTREACH can do to assist Leon in anything. Our water systems are for a variety of applications and we train on hand pump
repair as well as other tools for indigenous people to provide water for themselves.

We were responsible for developing the pure water plan for rescue organizations and people during the recent earthquake disaster in Costa Rica.

What can we do to help Leon?
I would enjoy talking further.

Journey to Bolivia

Cheryl Rathbun, Pasco, Washington 99301 — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:26:29 GMT

Well I met Leon in 1994. He is a caring person. Period. If you need help, even if not deserved, he helps. I wonder... if this isn't the most beautiful example of true charity.. I don't know what is. I consider it an honor.. although I always have.. to know him.
Keep it up friend .. perhaps there is a mission there for many great folks. My humble admoration.

Journey to Bolivia

Galina (Leon's colleague), Seattle, WA — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:42:18 GMT

I am Leon's colleague.
Thank you all of you for such a warm words :)
Here is Leon's email:

leonmclaughlin112@hotmail.com

My e-mail galinacherkashina@hotmail.com

Thank you,

Galina.